(( Below is a link for viewing all of this month's articles excluding our front page story, "Hellscream's eyes blind to Forsaken blight havoc," in a format made meticulously within InDesign by our very own Swarley Boompen. The format accurately mimics the look that a published newspaper would have, and if I can be informal for one sentence I have to say that it looks VERY cool!
http://imgur.com/a/OtZDG ))
Sunday, February 26, 2012
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Queen Caotl Returns to Stormwind Bringing Massive Crowds to Cathedral Square
The Blackwell Courier - Issue #3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
Queen Caotl returns to Stormwind bringing massive crowds to Cathedral Square
By Swarley Boompen
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| Queen Caotl poses for a picture in an outfit of his own design. |
“[I am] Queen Caotl, Fashionista Master, [and] Diva of the Eastern Kingdoms,” Queen Caotl said when asked to introduce himself.
For two years now, Caotl has worked in the Cathedral Square, helping the people of Stormwind with their numerous outfits by offering ratings to those brave enough to withstand his judgement.
“You just walk up, he eyes you over, then either compliments or insults you,” former paladin Jalina said.
On the subject of insults, Caotl lives a lifestyle of harsh honesty.
“I started doing this service to the community because I realized how desperately it was needed. We shouldn’t have to walk down the road and want to throw up,” Caotl said.
According to Caotl, while some people may call what he does a fashion show, it is more of a public service. Caotl offers ratings on outfits and offers critical advice.
“I only saw the potential for the ratings after people told their friends about my helping them and was mobbed at inns,” Caotl said, describing his inspiration for his shows.
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| Queen Caotl judges the outfit of another hopeful contestant. |
Most surprisingly, Caotl’s services are completely non-profit.
“The only rewards I need are the looks on the faces of the people who get tens,” Caotl said.
Despite his lack of profit from the ratings, Caotl still manages to live a lavish lifestyle.
“Most of my money comes from donations that people make when or from people who pay me to find them good outfits,” the Fashion Queen said.
It is often wondered whether or not Caotl’s ratings are good or bad for the Cathedral District.
“It tends to draw a pretty big crowd, which can make people rowdy and prone to cause trouble and chaos,” Paladin Rosalinde Cinderborn said.
“The only rewards I need are the looks on the faces of the people who get tens,” Caotl said.
Despite his lack of profit from the ratings, Caotl still manages to live a lavish lifestyle.
“Most of my money comes from donations that people make when or from people who pay me to find them good outfits,” the Fashion Queen said.
It is often wondered whether or not Caotl’s ratings are good or bad for the Cathedral District.
“It tends to draw a pretty big crowd, which can make people rowdy and prone to cause trouble and chaos,” Paladin Rosalinde Cinderborn said.
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| Citizens line up in hopes for their outfits to be rated a perfect ten by Caotl. |
According to Cinderborn, people tend to get impatient in the long lines. Others are unhappy with their rating, and often try to retaliate. Caotl has been known to have been attacked by disgruntled contestants.
“The worst are the stalkers,” Caotl said.
Are Caotl’s shows causing issues? It’s certainly a question the people of Stormwind need to ask themselves. However, the Cathedral of Light doesn’t seem to think so.
“I was the Queen of Fashion first, [but] I learned the ways of the light and was anointed after a year or so of doing [the shows],” Caotl said.
According to Bishop Farthing, ever since Caotl began doing his judgings the cathedral’s congregation has increased heavily.
“I guess it brings life to the place,” Westock of Outland said, whose outfit was rated an eight by Caotl.
During Caotl’s judging, over thirty people arrived to spectate and be judged. The crowd was massive.
“How many people come to the Cathedral otherwise? Not many!” Caotl said.
Along with Caotl’s fashion advice, the Fashion Queen also designs clothing.
“All of my outfits are custom made and I do have my own line. Right now, I’m specializing in baby outfits,” Caotl said.
It’s clear to many that the regularity of having Caotl around is almost as iconic as the stability the entire cathedral brings. The majority of Stormwind’s community is glad to have him back, and looks forward for what he does next.
“The worst are the stalkers,” Caotl said.
Are Caotl’s shows causing issues? It’s certainly a question the people of Stormwind need to ask themselves. However, the Cathedral of Light doesn’t seem to think so.
“I was the Queen of Fashion first, [but] I learned the ways of the light and was anointed after a year or so of doing [the shows],” Caotl said.
According to Bishop Farthing, ever since Caotl began doing his judgings the cathedral’s congregation has increased heavily.
“I guess it brings life to the place,” Westock of Outland said, whose outfit was rated an eight by Caotl.
During Caotl’s judging, over thirty people arrived to spectate and be judged. The crowd was massive.
“How many people come to the Cathedral otherwise? Not many!” Caotl said.
Along with Caotl’s fashion advice, the Fashion Queen also designs clothing.
“All of my outfits are custom made and I do have my own line. Right now, I’m specializing in baby outfits,” Caotl said.
It’s clear to many that the regularity of having Caotl around is almost as iconic as the stability the entire cathedral brings. The majority of Stormwind’s community is glad to have him back, and looks forward for what he does next.
Yardley Perfumes Yield Public Approval
The Blackwell Courier - Issue #3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
Family businesses have never been in a short supply within our city, but it’s a different story entirely when a bloodline’s legacy gets carried through the near downfall of a nation combined with the challenges of adapting to an entirely new culture. Perfumer Agnes Yardley, is one shining example of this brand of resilience, for staying true to her family’s practice while also leading the brand to a new thriving state in Stormwind City.
“When you first spray a perfume, you get the initial whiff. The 'top' note. After about an hour, you smell the 'middle' note. That's sort of the 'heart' scent to the perfume. And after that, you smell the base note. It's the lingering smell... we try to make perfumes for ladies and colognes for gentlemen that suit personalities, and use these notes to enhance their natural smell throughout the day.”
In our interview Miss Yardley mentioned two particular scents that demonstrate this principle in design:
“For a lady who wants a bright, cheery sort of smell -- we have this perfume called 'How Exciting.' Your first smell of it is bright orange, citrus .Later, you smell the orange blossom. Still bright, but lingering floral. And the base note is a warm, deep tiger lily. It all evokes a happy, bright warmth.”
“For a gentlemen, we have the 'Hammerstorm' cologne. It evokes that classic dark, brooding smell. A thinking man's cologne. Your first scent is ice moss, and then later patchouli, and then a rich lingering smell of incense and earthroot.”
The Yardley’s business stands in stark contrast to competing corporate giant, the Crown Chemical Company. The quality, lasting scent of Yardley products are produced with all natural ingredients at small-scale productions within the Alliance borders. Ten percent of all Yardley profits also go to charity.
This distinction in business ethic and pursuit for pristine quality has showered the Yardley name with the praise of Stormwind residents.
“They're only like, the super best perfume company out there, and none of the money goes into Horde pockets like with some of the goblin run companies!“ Agatha Grisby said.
“I purchased some perfume from her many months ago. Got rid of that cheese smell that plagued me so much.” Twidd Lintpicker said.
While the business’ recent start is not excessively large, its intriguing to note that the Yardley brand began humbly for the majority of its long history, operating from home and selling to local boutiques. But it wasn’t until the fifth generation in the Yardley line, Agnes’ father the late Ashford Yardley, that a small production factory was developed and the products were sold out of a storefront in the city proper.
However, Miss Yardley did mention that she has intentions for steady expansion and would begin by selling her products overseas at Darnassus in a street market. “Provided we get good feedback, I hope to open a small store there. Or at least start shipping to Darnassus.”
Agnes Yardley, in addition to her noble efforts for the Yardley family business, is a battlemender in her guild, the White Sigil and a triage nurse aspiring to one day become a licensed doctor. “I want to carry on doing what my family was best at. Keep a little piece of GIlneas alive.” Yardley said.
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| Agnes Yardley poses for a picture outside Thelsamar of the Loch Modan. |
Perfumes, colognes, soaps, and lotions are all high quality products encompassed by the Yardley brand, a well known name in the households of Gilnean nobles and merchants. The family’s legacy stretches back six generations, with Miss Yardley being the first woman to lead the business. “My father began to apprentice me at twenty-two, and I'm twenty-eight now. Six years of apprenticing qualified me to take the reins.” Yardley said.
While little other than that knowledge survived the conflict in Gilneas, Agnes managed to relaunch the business recently through savings from local sales. Yardley products can currently be obtained from any shop in the Mage Quarter, and they come in a plethora of scents for the diversity of consumers who use them.
“When you first spray a perfume, you get the initial whiff. The 'top' note. After about an hour, you smell the 'middle' note. That's sort of the 'heart' scent to the perfume. And after that, you smell the base note. It's the lingering smell... we try to make perfumes for ladies and colognes for gentlemen that suit personalities, and use these notes to enhance their natural smell throughout the day.”
In our interview Miss Yardley mentioned two particular scents that demonstrate this principle in design:
“For a lady who wants a bright, cheery sort of smell -- we have this perfume called 'How Exciting.' Your first smell of it is bright orange, citrus .Later, you smell the orange blossom. Still bright, but lingering floral. And the base note is a warm, deep tiger lily. It all evokes a happy, bright warmth.”
“For a gentlemen, we have the 'Hammerstorm' cologne. It evokes that classic dark, brooding smell. A thinking man's cologne. Your first scent is ice moss, and then later patchouli, and then a rich lingering smell of incense and earthroot.”
The Yardley’s business stands in stark contrast to competing corporate giant, the Crown Chemical Company. The quality, lasting scent of Yardley products are produced with all natural ingredients at small-scale productions within the Alliance borders. Ten percent of all Yardley profits also go to charity.
This distinction in business ethic and pursuit for pristine quality has showered the Yardley name with the praise of Stormwind residents.
“They're only like, the super best perfume company out there, and none of the money goes into Horde pockets like with some of the goblin run companies!“ Agatha Grisby said.
“I purchased some perfume from her many months ago. Got rid of that cheese smell that plagued me so much.” Twidd Lintpicker said.
While the business’ recent start is not excessively large, its intriguing to note that the Yardley brand began humbly for the majority of its long history, operating from home and selling to local boutiques. But it wasn’t until the fifth generation in the Yardley line, Agnes’ father the late Ashford Yardley, that a small production factory was developed and the products were sold out of a storefront in the city proper.
However, Miss Yardley did mention that she has intentions for steady expansion and would begin by selling her products overseas at Darnassus in a street market. “Provided we get good feedback, I hope to open a small store there. Or at least start shipping to Darnassus.”
Agnes Yardley, in addition to her noble efforts for the Yardley family business, is a battlemender in her guild, the White Sigil and a triage nurse aspiring to one day become a licensed doctor. “I want to carry on doing what my family was best at. Keep a little piece of GIlneas alive.” Yardley said.
Whipperforth Whips Up Resourceful Relieving Remedy
The Blackwell Courier - Issue # 3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
Whipperforth whips up resourceful relieving remedy
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
A creatively produced potion for curing throat ailments has been garnering recognition through Stormwind City’s streets by word of mouth, and it’s coming as a surprise to the potion’s creator, Cathedral Square resident Calvin Whipperforth. Whipperforth, self-described as knowing a “bit” of the alchemy practice, confessed this to be the first potion of his own creation.
Whipperforth whips up resourceful relieving remedy
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
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| Calvin Whipperforth smiles for a picture near the Stormwind Mage Quarter. |
The first notable quality of this concoction is its viscous, syrup-like nature that has earned it the name of “healing lozenge.” This particular consistency allows it to treat a specific region rather than the body as a whole, contrasting with the effect of traditional healing potion ingestion. “It worked, the other ones didn’t. Needed more contact with the throat I think,” Whipperforth said.
The second impressive trait to note is the recipe’s use of natural and readily attainable ingredients. The key changes that Whipperforth disclosed included an increase in the ratio of crushed silverleaf, and an extract alternative to the already present mageroyal. While this may seem a humble feat, Maria Lumere, owner of Mage District’s “Alchemy Needs” asserts that this is what makes the new potion truly revolutionary as well as practical.
“Weaker mixes tend to become obsolete as soon as a more potent recipe is produced and adventurers can afford it. Most alchemists are attempting to meet this need by hunting after rare and magically infused ingredients that result in volatile products that aren’t well tested. Mister Whipperforth, on the other hand, developed a product with well known, efficient, and commonly found herbs with a low risk of negative side effects and even less chance for being made obsolete considering the product’s universal appeal. This practical thinking is what ingenuity is all about, in alchemy and in any profession,” Lumere said.
Calvin first created the potion to help a friend by the name of Xaeviar Denian, who “'hasn't been able to speak well, sometimes not at all, since he was born,” Whipperforth said. A few of its uses include healing a sore throat or returning a lost voice. The potion should be able to help with just about anything in the throat, in theory.
During an interview at Cathedral Square, Swarley Boompen tried the lozenge to soothe his own throat’s irritation to the strong cologne and perfumes during our city’s recent Love is in the Air festivities. “It works. My throat feels great!” Boompen said shortly after ingesting the thick solution, though he admitted the taste was less than pleasant.
That’s only to be to be expected for a potion in its early stages of testing, and Whipperforth himself expressed he would be open to another alchemist improving the recipe for that area. Despite the potion’s beginning progress in experimentation, it was assured that “The first subject didn’t die... and didn’t complain about pain,” said Whipperforth.
Calvin Whipperforth has trained as a priest for approximately ten years, serves as a medic in the Second Army, and self-described himself as knowing “remedial” enchanting in addition to his practice in alchemy.
Whipperforth’s favorite aspect of his work is “making sure that the soldiers don't get turned into piles of meat,” and he explained his interest in alchemy as “just another way to do healing.”
In light of the importance of his current role, Calvin shared that he would be open to selling the recipe if he finds someone interested in assuming responsibility for marketing the potion. “Suppose I could sell the recipe to a professional alchemist. I’m just a healer, not a businessman,” Whipperforth said. Calvin disclosed he has no other current projects for making his own potions, but he predicts he will create more as the need arises.
“Stay positive, and ... keep working hard. Afterall, it’s what we Gilneans do best,” said Whipperforth when asked to provide advice based on his own experiences. When asked if there is anything else he would ask of our readers Whipperforth answered, “I would just ask everyone to stay strong in these difficult times.”
“Weaker mixes tend to become obsolete as soon as a more potent recipe is produced and adventurers can afford it. Most alchemists are attempting to meet this need by hunting after rare and magically infused ingredients that result in volatile products that aren’t well tested. Mister Whipperforth, on the other hand, developed a product with well known, efficient, and commonly found herbs with a low risk of negative side effects and even less chance for being made obsolete considering the product’s universal appeal. This practical thinking is what ingenuity is all about, in alchemy and in any profession,” Lumere said.
Calvin first created the potion to help a friend by the name of Xaeviar Denian, who “'hasn't been able to speak well, sometimes not at all, since he was born,” Whipperforth said. A few of its uses include healing a sore throat or returning a lost voice. The potion should be able to help with just about anything in the throat, in theory.
During an interview at Cathedral Square, Swarley Boompen tried the lozenge to soothe his own throat’s irritation to the strong cologne and perfumes during our city’s recent Love is in the Air festivities. “It works. My throat feels great!” Boompen said shortly after ingesting the thick solution, though he admitted the taste was less than pleasant.
That’s only to be to be expected for a potion in its early stages of testing, and Whipperforth himself expressed he would be open to another alchemist improving the recipe for that area. Despite the potion’s beginning progress in experimentation, it was assured that “The first subject didn’t die... and didn’t complain about pain,” said Whipperforth.
Calvin Whipperforth has trained as a priest for approximately ten years, serves as a medic in the Second Army, and self-described himself as knowing “remedial” enchanting in addition to his practice in alchemy.
Whipperforth’s favorite aspect of his work is “making sure that the soldiers don't get turned into piles of meat,” and he explained his interest in alchemy as “just another way to do healing.”
In light of the importance of his current role, Calvin shared that he would be open to selling the recipe if he finds someone interested in assuming responsibility for marketing the potion. “Suppose I could sell the recipe to a professional alchemist. I’m just a healer, not a businessman,” Whipperforth said. Calvin disclosed he has no other current projects for making his own potions, but he predicts he will create more as the need arises.
“Stay positive, and ... keep working hard. Afterall, it’s what we Gilneans do best,” said Whipperforth when asked to provide advice based on his own experiences. When asked if there is anything else he would ask of our readers Whipperforth answered, “I would just ask everyone to stay strong in these difficult times.”
Local Heroes Bring Trainset Tyranny to a Sudden Stop
The Blackwell Courier - Issue #3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
Local heroes bring trainset tyranny to a sudden stop
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
and Swarley Boompen
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| Dwarven district auction house is still recovering from the terrible trainset tyranny. |
The late evening tranquility of Stormwind was spoiled by cries of distress when a toy train set was placed in a highly trafficked area of the Dwarven District Auction House February 16th.
“I was just minding my business buying imported troll juju,” bystander Thomas Trayne said, “when all of the sudden I heard a low commotion. Some people tried to find a way around it but it kept moving in circles and confusing everybody.”
According to bystander Alfie Greencrane, he and many others near the trainset felt physically compelled to make train noises along with the toy train..
“There must have been some sort of sonic hypnotic compenent. All around me people were going choo-choo, with faces stricken with pure terror,” Greencrane said.
Fortunately for the distressed men and women of the city, locals Jon Cole and Smith N. Jean were both at their station.
“I don’t think it was anything special, I just wanted to act responsibly so that our busy citizens could get back on track,” Jean, an engineer, said after wrecking the hazardous locomotive model with a mechanical automaton.
While the culprit of this crime was not seen among the thick crowds, there is little doubt it was for their own sick joke.
“The swift convenience of the auction house [in the Dwarven District] is vital to the local professionals and businesses. Whoever caused the interruption was surely conducting themselves very childishly.” Cole said.
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| "This isn't the last of the train terrorism. So long as the culprits are out there, the people of Stormwind are in jeaprody. This time it was a train set, but next time is could be something far worse... piccolos and grenades that make people dance against their will. Personally, I think it was troll spies that did this." Jon Cole warned. |
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| “I’m no hero. My train of thought was simple: to get business moving again. The auction house is a vital part of Stormwind’s economy, and distress there affects everyone. Who ever did this must have had some loco motives. I’m just lucky I bought that overpriced Train Wrecker,” Engineer Smith N. Jean explained |
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| "There's only a few people with the skill to create a device that can stop our current thoughts in their tracks and force us to say and do things against our will. I trust the authorities will find and arrest the person who did this very quickly. However, until an arrest is made, I'll be avoiding Stormwind's auction houses," Alfie Greencrane said. |
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| "I'm telling you this was all part of a plot formed by Stormwind nobles. They're testing alien technologies they stole from sand gnomes. Today, they get us to go choo-choo, tomorrow they'll be using this train mind control to get the auction house patrons to invade Pandaria for its resources. Fight the power!" Julian Huxley speculated. |
Charity Gala Raises One Million Gold for Stormwind Orphans
The Blackwell Courier - Issue #3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
Charity gala raises one million gold for Stormwind orphans
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
Stormwind was graced with a prestigious, formal event on the evening of February the 4th, and while meetings of local entrepreneurs and socialites are not uncommon, this particular celebration carried the noble cause of procuring funds for some of the city’s least privileged denizens. The Stormwind Orphans Fundraiser Gala, organized and hosted by the dwarven Lord Thorgan Thulmane III, featured an array of activities and entertainment into the night purposed toward generating charity funds for our city’s orphaned children.
The gala took place on the grounds of the Quarter outside of the Slaughtered Lamb Tavern. Guests were escorted into the premises by attentive security, to see the area decorated with festive scenery and filled with grand, orchestrated music.
Following a time for dancing and socializing, an auction was held selling a plethora of valuable antique items, which sold for as high as 40,000 gold and provided the bulk of the charity donations. “It's amazin' what people will pay for artifacts and artwork,” Lord Thorgan Thulmane III, host and organizer of the gala, said.
Afterwards, a stunning fireworks display was held on the Mage District overlook, filling the black and white speckled canvas of the night sky with a vibrant spectrum of light. It was later noted that the fireworks show was thanks to a woman named Giala from an organization by the name of Lore, who brought a few of her companions to help.
“And in closing,” said Thulmane, “we gathered for a wonderful dinner, and the money was delivered to the offices of the Orphanage.” According to the final count, the gala raised 1,009,670 gold for the orphaned children’s benefit! When asked how we might expect to see these funds improving the orphaned, Lord Thorgan answered “The orphans, to my knowledge, will have complete upgrades to the Orphanage. They will receive new bedding, toys, medicine, and other supplies.”
Speaking with the Lord Thorgan personally at the end of the event, I was able to learn more about the guild he represents, of whom many other members were also present. “Avengarde, in short, is an affiliation that stands to better the Alliance and its people through humanitarian and militant efforts,” Thulmane said, “From the recent tragedies, many are left alone to pick up the pieces of their lives. That's where we stand to make a difference.”
And while the night’s charity did fit well into the guild’s agenda, it’s also true that the effort has been an acutely personal one for the dwarf lord. When asked about his motivation for the fundraiser, Lord Thorgan described how he passed by the Cathedral District Orphanage one afternoon and noted that the building appeared to be “falling apart,” the supplies were limited, and the children seemed “a tad upset.” “Being orphaned myself, I sympathize for these unfortunate souls,” Thulmane said.
When asked further about the orphans, Lord Thorgan had a word of advice for readers interested in serving the cause. “Well, the obvious one, would be to adopt. But if that isn’t in their interests, they may always donate or volunteer their time. Read to the children, play games, or just assist with whatever the Matron has in store,” Thulmane said. But he also shared a warning, to keep the orphaned children in perspective: “Being an orphaned child is a terrible feeling. Children want to have parents that can care for them. Mere volunteering won't satisfy their needs to the fullest.”
Charity gala raises one million gold for Stormwind orphans
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
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| Lord Thorgan, seen as the well dressed dwarf second-to-most right on the central path, personally socializes with the many guests united at this event. |
The gala took place on the grounds of the Quarter outside of the Slaughtered Lamb Tavern. Guests were escorted into the premises by attentive security, to see the area decorated with festive scenery and filled with grand, orchestrated music.
Following a time for dancing and socializing, an auction was held selling a plethora of valuable antique items, which sold for as high as 40,000 gold and provided the bulk of the charity donations. “It's amazin' what people will pay for artifacts and artwork,” Lord Thorgan Thulmane III, host and organizer of the gala, said.
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| A plethora of guests gather at the prospect of obtaining coveted collector items. |
“And in closing,” said Thulmane, “we gathered for a wonderful dinner, and the money was delivered to the offices of the Orphanage.” According to the final count, the gala raised 1,009,670 gold for the orphaned children’s benefit! When asked how we might expect to see these funds improving the orphaned, Lord Thorgan answered “The orphans, to my knowledge, will have complete upgrades to the Orphanage. They will receive new bedding, toys, medicine, and other supplies.”
Speaking with the Lord Thorgan personally at the end of the event, I was able to learn more about the guild he represents, of whom many other members were also present. “Avengarde, in short, is an affiliation that stands to better the Alliance and its people through humanitarian and militant efforts,” Thulmane said, “From the recent tragedies, many are left alone to pick up the pieces of their lives. That's where we stand to make a difference.”
And while the night’s charity did fit well into the guild’s agenda, it’s also true that the effort has been an acutely personal one for the dwarf lord. When asked about his motivation for the fundraiser, Lord Thorgan described how he passed by the Cathedral District Orphanage one afternoon and noted that the building appeared to be “falling apart,” the supplies were limited, and the children seemed “a tad upset.” “Being orphaned myself, I sympathize for these unfortunate souls,” Thulmane said.
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| Patrons gather to watch a stunning fireworks display. |
Hellscream’s Eyes Blind to Forsaken Blight Havoc
The Blackwell Courier - Issue #3 . . . February 24th ((2012))
Hellscream's eyes blind to Forsaken blight havoc
By Tobbes S. Blackwell
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| The grounds once known as the Hillsbrad Fields have been fortified, and while the walls obscure most of what goes on inside, the unnatural green fumes and smell of pervasive rot suggest the testing of horrible weapons. |
The Forsaken, a kingdom of former Scourge undead, has laid claim to the heart of fallen Lordaeron since the end of the Third War. With their hated enemy the Lich King slain and the Horde campaign in Northrend drawn to a close, Banshee Queen Sylvanas Windrunner has led the Forsaken to a new era by fortifying their holdings and bolstering her people’s numbers with fresh, reanimated corpses through the dark arts of her Val’kyr servants.
But even with these defensive measures being put into effect, growth requires time and it seems the Banshee Queen means to buy more of it with sinister, reckless, and inhumane strategies. All of this begs the question: is Hellscream really watching?
Countless leagues across the ocean, Horde invaders fight against Night Elf defenders for control of Ashenvale’s resources. Dor’danil Barrow Den, located in the southeastern region of the vast forest, is a series of underground tunnels home to Kaldorei druids slumbering within the Emerald Dream. After falling behind the advancing battlefront, the dens were assumed to have been left alone due to the harmless and helpless state of its inhabitants.
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| The premise outside of the barrow dens lies quiet, but it has not always been so. |
“The documents detailed how the Forsaken tested their poisons on the vulnerable druids, resulting in a severing of their spirits within the Emerald Dream with their physical bodies. Most of the sleeping brethren turned insane as a result, while a handful had their spirits released as hostile lingering apparitions.” Stillwind said.
However, it should be noted that to dismiss this incident as a random act of cruelty would be a naive underestimation of Forsaken depravity.
“The atrocity came as a hard blow to all of us... but it was more than just an attack on our morale - the very nature of the experiments reveal that the Forsaken were testing for our brother’s weaknesses and seeking a way to release disease into our lands.” Stillwind said.
Back at the Eastern Kingdoms, refugees are spreading the word of more overt destruction originating in the Hillsbrad Foothills. While Southshore has often held skirmishes against their undead enemies from Tarren Mill, the town was caught off guard by a desecrating assault that devastated soldier and civilian alike.
Alliance defenders were decimated by the use of the Royal Apothecary Society’s “New Plague,” despite the alleged orders within Horde leadership for production to cease immediately following the Wrathgate incident. All that remains of the town now are corroded ruins and lingering pools of unnatural toxicity.
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| It's doubtful that Horde or Alliance will see use of this desecrated land, which bears little resemblance to the gem Southshore once was, for many generations to come. |
The remaining exodus continued to a temporary shelter at the ruins of Fenris Keep, though it did not take long for the Forsaken to divert their forces nearby at the Silverpine Battlefront. The survivors found themselves in a situation desperation cannot begin to describe.
At the urging of Gilnean Liberation Front (GLF) leaders Darius Crowley and Ivar Bloodfang, the refugees embraced the worgen curse by drinking worgen blood. This move protected the survivors from being raised as Forsaken, for the Val’kyr can only reanimate humans to undeath.
Another attack soon followed on the keep, and the diminished remnants that swam across Lordaeron Lake and made their way to safety became known as “Hillsbrad Worgen.” According to Wesley, currently an aforementioned Hillsbrad Worgen and formerly a stable master in Southshore who made it out with nothing but clothes and his rapier:
“We are very likely the last human survivors of the settlements in Hillsbrad. The second party that fled to Arathi may have made it to Thordadin’s Wall, but the Forsaken now squatting at the wall’s entrance suggest they never made it any further.”
And not much farther from the setting of this last story, the GLF and 7th Legion forces united on the Gilnean Battlefront face blight-hurling plague launchers from the Forsaken opposition. This has come as a surprise to many, who expected the battlefield where Garrosh Hellscream himself was rumored to have visited to be acting in strict accordance with the ban on use of the New Plague.
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| Following the betrayal of the undead Vincent Godfrey, this former Gilnean lord was chased and assaulted in Shadowfang Keep. The keep itself was spared, to serve as a reminder of everything that happened, and its halls still contain trace residue of toxic chemicals unleashed in the struggle. |
“Tests proved that the substances retrieved from Gilneas were in every way similar to the recorded properties of intact blight samples brought from the Wrathgate, though they were very diluted. The latter samples were brought to a secure lab in Stormwind following the incident, tested thoroughly, and destroyed soon after.”
Admittedly, it was a step in the right direction for Garrosh to crack down on Royal Apothecary Society experimentation by stationing a legion of his Kor’kron (elite orc warriors and bodyguards to the warchief) at the Undercity. But what their careful eye fails to discern, is how the Apothecary’s work can continue at full speed as long as they go unsupervised elsewhere in Lordearon!
One of the most recent examples has newly emerged from adventurer accounts in the Hinterlands (though it stands the reason there may be many more similar stories yet unheard of). At the heart of the region a Forsaken outpost has been established during the aftermath of the new sundering, on the ruins of the Witherbark troll village Hiri’watha. The camp can plainly be seen with an array of testing and research equipment, and locals have grown curious to what motives these visitors have in mind.
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| The Witherbark trolls of Hiri'watha have mysteriously disappeared, and the Forsaken have set up vile machinery in their place. |
“I went on a separate path from my family for a while to seek after troll artifacts from the ancient Amani Empire. I heard that one of the three remaining tribes in the Hinterlands, the Witherbark tribe, were growing weak and that their ruins were mostly abandoned, but I was shocked to find their largest settlement of Shadra’Alor undefended.
Investigating inside, I discovered about two dozen forest trolls corpses scattered about. Some were diced into indistinguishable pieces with short blades, and others were deteriorated by powerful shadow magic that left them in a pool of their darkened blood and liquefied brain matter.
But what really caught my attention was the mythic, gargantuan remains of an Amani spider god, with a massive chunk of flesh surrounding his poison glands carved open. Luminescent, magically infused venom dripped from its mutilated maw to create a small puddle below where the grass wilted black. But the puddle was small enough to suggest that the majority of the venom was harvested. Fresh tracks led outside Shadra’alor - scattered, two-toed footprints spread off in all directions, but an orderly party with small, boot shaped prints with thin skeletal appendages led in the direction of Hiri’watha’s ruins.” Ironstride said.
From this encounter and the Ironstride’s past encounters with the Forsaken, Melborne asserts that this cannot possibly be interpreted as some rogue’s ambition to acquire a strong poison or an alchemist’s pursuit for creating a harmless potion. “I may only be a beginner in troll archaeology and I’m still learning, but I know this: That venom is divine in nature - it has enough potency to kill an entire legion of healthy men. Clearly the Forsaken are up to something evil.” Ironstride said.
Orendil Broadleaf, a healer and alchemist at Maestra’s Post, Ashenvale expresses a similar sentiment in regards to the Forsaken’s interest in powerful ingredients. North of the sentinel protected outpost he watches, Forsaken agents have set up labs on the site of a forest ancient’s death; Bathran’s Haunt.
The great forest defender’s fall has resulted in a unique herb known as Bathran’s Hair, and the agents have used this as well as other local flora for malicious ends, even corrupting the surrounding forest. And while reports tell of a strong presence of orc overseers keeping an eye on these Forsaken, it is unclear what (if anything at all) they are restricting and whether they will actually hinder the agents from developing new chemical weapons. Fortunately, an unnamed hero was compelled to burn the remains of the fallen ancient and halt further harvesting of the reagent.
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| With the ancient's remains destroyed, Bathran's Hair will no longer sprout from the earth. But the amount already harvested is unsettling to the overstretched forest defenders, and the tolerance of the orc overseers raises more questions. |
According to Lady Hoteshem, battlemaster and tactician of the League of Arathor, this dependence upon chemical weapons of the Forsaken is a threat that can’t be ignored.
“Chemical weapons are more affordable than other conventional methods of warfare, far easier to transport than any army, and can be released into a target population with effective discretion. It’s especially concerning that the Forsaken agents can distribute their weapons to rogue groups that work apart from their undead kingdom at large. This possibility, coupled with the very real lingering forces of Twilight Cultists in southern Lordaeron sharing ill will for the Alliance, results in the central Eastern Kingdoms region becoming a powder-keg poised for total war.” Hoteshem said.
However, this is not a story to invoke senseless fear or hopeless panic; this is a story to report the truth so it may be dealt with and confronted.
The Forsaken as a kingdom are a wicked and depraved people. They insult the blessing that is life with their merciless experiments and desperate use of necromancy for “reproducing” their numbers. They scoff at any reverence toward the Holy Light of their living relatives and past forefathers, driving any who still hold to the faith out of their unholy kingdom. Clinging to the wayward ways of the shadow and unwilling to seek any opportunity for atonement in this world they are now only wanderers in, they pervert nature to mirror their corruption and carve out a home for themselves with war and terror.
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| Large vats of the diluted blight still lie abandoned behind the Gilneas wall, from the incursion the Forsaken led before they were pushed back. The chemicals require careful handling for transport and disposal, and the guerrilla GLF units cannot spare such a luxury with the Forsaken watching on the other side. |
But all of us, despite our shortcomings, still carry that gift which is the mortal good will that they so eagerly discarded. We know well enough not to compromise our ethics to their level. We still embrace what is good and present in nature, and we stand together as a united Alliance while the Dark Lady pridefully uses the rest of the Horde and dishonors their trust. We know what it means to be (and for some of us, to stay as) human.
The first plague of undeath, though more a product of necromancy than a true disease, was just as threatening as any Forsaken blight - yet the determined efforts of many heroes brought an end to the Scourge’s cold grip all the same. We shall do so again, if necessary. But until then, whether faced with underhanded tactics in war or horrors wrought through twisted magic, it is the duty of every citizen of Stormwind and the Alliance to vigilantly watch for injustice, expose deceit, and thwart the schemes of darkness wherever they are found.
Stay strong Stormwind, and show our enemies we have nothing to fear!
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